Meet the Candidates: Mark Schmutz

I am running for Fruitvale Village Council with no previous political experience.

My work history as an ironmaker spans from January 1977 to retirement in October 2013 with jobs all over western Canada, to the northern territories and Russia.

The present council is doing a great job and the main issues facing Fruitvale are maintaining economic growth and providing a good place to raise families into the future.

Outstanding issues are few but to keep taxes low is the first priority, restoring the recreation fiasco and working to prevent amalgamation are also key issues.

The recreation issue is important for our health but it is not an endless cash cow and the present system of reimbursing users works for me.

I do not feel any amalgamation is needed as issues that are important to people in Rossland may not matter to others and it is the same with Fruitvale – our voice in making decisions affecting our property owners would be lost in a larger system.

Fruitvale is a great place to raise a family, live, work and play but it needs people to keep it going forward.